Religious Crisis and Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined religious crisis and development in Nigeria. The paper posits that lack of religious toleration and respect for other people's religious views amongst others are causes of religious violence between Muslims and Christians. The paper argues that the consequences of these religious fracas hampers and frustrates developmental efforts in Nigeria. The study relied on secondary sources and observation method as source of data collection. The study also adopts "Social-Conflict” theory as theoretical framework. We noticed that our data on religious violence in Nigeria is in line with the theory. For instance, religious violence today has become a tool to ferment trouble, unleash fear and insecurity in our society. The paper recommends that leaders of these two religious groups should conscientize their followers on the great value of religious toleration in a pluralistic religious country.